Journal entry by Al Negstad — a minute ago
Sorry about the brain spasm of drafting without posting and just when there was actually something to report.😕 The post was written before dinner, saved in case of an addition and then forgotten.
On Buddha's Birthday (Tuesday) we went back to the hospital outpatient clinic and found a room full of people. People tried not to stare at me but I did stand out as the only non-Asian in the room. Pretending they were looking at me because I'm so handsome I'd smile back and they would either smile back or quickly turn away. A room full meant an hour and a half wait for a ten minute procedure. Seeing the wound made it clear to me that daily dressing is important. Because the school principal wasn't with me I dug deep for the $3.00 I was charged.
Today (Wednesday) the principal brought me to the hospital and the wait time was 15, minutes, it not being a holiday. Seeing the healing progress since yesterday was very encouraging. When it improves that much in 24, hours I should be in good shape when the stitches are removed Monday.
Plans change...I was to meet L in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, this weekend. She was to be there for work but delayed her trip for the sake of a friend who is very ill. So, I decided not to go either and instead will go to Bangkok for continued medical treatment. When I finish teaching Friday I'll make the trek to Bangkok.
Twelve years ago, after falling in Laos and getting sewed up with an ensuing infection, I went to Bangkok for medical care. The Bangkok Christian Nursing Hospital, is world class, and only a few blocks from the Guesthouse where I stay. It will be convenient to go there for daily wound care and stitch removal.
Students and staff were all fascinated by my story and bandage, today being the first time I had seen them since I left Monday to get medical help. Many students would very gently touch the bandage and, as their English would permit, ask me how I was. We had a good laugh about the 6th grade teacher's look of shock when she saw the blood. She says there is a reason she's a teacher and not a doctor or nurse. All's well that ends well!
Blessings,
Al
Pictures: The hospital, 3rd grade points at my arm, the arm, waiting for treatment, with the 6th grade teacher.
On Buddha's Birthday (Tuesday) we went back to the hospital outpatient clinic and found a room full of people. People tried not to stare at me but I did stand out as the only non-Asian in the room. Pretending they were looking at me because I'm so handsome I'd smile back and they would either smile back or quickly turn away. A room full meant an hour and a half wait for a ten minute procedure. Seeing the wound made it clear to me that daily dressing is important. Because the school principal wasn't with me I dug deep for the $3.00 I was charged.
Today (Wednesday) the principal brought me to the hospital and the wait time was 15, minutes, it not being a holiday. Seeing the healing progress since yesterday was very encouraging. When it improves that much in 24, hours I should be in good shape when the stitches are removed Monday.
Plans change...I was to meet L in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, this weekend. She was to be there for work but delayed her trip for the sake of a friend who is very ill. So, I decided not to go either and instead will go to Bangkok for continued medical treatment. When I finish teaching Friday I'll make the trek to Bangkok.
Twelve years ago, after falling in Laos and getting sewed up with an ensuing infection, I went to Bangkok for medical care. The Bangkok Christian Nursing Hospital, is world class, and only a few blocks from the Guesthouse where I stay. It will be convenient to go there for daily wound care and stitch removal.
Students and staff were all fascinated by my story and bandage, today being the first time I had seen them since I left Monday to get medical help. Many students would very gently touch the bandage and, as their English would permit, ask me how I was. We had a good laugh about the 6th grade teacher's look of shock when she saw the blood. She says there is a reason she's a teacher and not a doctor or nurse. All's well that ends well!
Blessings,
Al
Pictures: The hospital, 3rd grade points at my arm, the arm, waiting for treatment, with the 6th grade teacher.
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